Gomez Still Awaiting Clearance to Ride

Jockey Garrett Gomez, originally scheduled for three mounts each at Del Mar Aug. 7 and 8, remains inactive pending successful completion of drug tests results and a doctor's clearance to ride.

Stewards gave Gomez conditional approval Aug. 2 to return to riding for the first time since July 14 at Betfair Hollywood Park. Gomez is begin required to check in daily with California Horse Racing Board investigators. Currently on anti-depressants, he is subject to daily drug testing until he tests at an acceptable level to allow him to compete.

In removing Gomez from his mounts Wednesday and Thursday, stewards said that determining Gomez's race fitness would be a "day to day"process.

Gomez, who has battled alcoholism and drug abuse, missed mounts in June and July. He acknowledged he had began drinking earlier this summer but was undergoing counseling as he coped with the break-up of his marriage.